Death Traps in Resident Evil

A list of events that can instantly kill your character, no matter your health.

Introduction

In Resident Evil 1, there are no quicksaves or autosaves, only manual saves. The only way to save is by having Ink Ribbons and using it at a typewriter, and since it's limited and typewriters are not everywhere, you may accidentally get killed after a while of not saving and lose progress.

The purpose of this guide is to point out the available "death traps", one that can instantly kill your character no matter your health or equipment. Keep in mind that enemies can still instakill you if you have low enough health, but I won't cover that here. Always keep your health at Fine.

Armor Corridor

The first death trap you can find is the armor corridor, where the Armor Key is located. When you reach the pedestal in the picture, you will pass a knight statue with spikes. If you take the key, the spiked statue will close in, and eventually kill you.

You will either need to put the key back, or if you have the Imitation Key, you can place it at the pedestal. Then you can safely leave.

Aqua Ring

While in the Residence, you will go through this flooded area with sharks. If you're too slow, Neptune, the giant shark, will eat you.

Mural Corridor

After getting the Helmet Key, you will need to go through this room. If you happen to go through without pushing the statue, the walls will close in and squish you. So just push the statue, and be fast.

Boulder Tunnels

While in the Tunnels, you will face 2 giant rolling boulders. They are triggered by moving close to them. Moving them is required to progress, so if you see one of these in the distance, remember the closest way out, and run there as soon as they roll.

Altar

In the Altar after unlocking the door below the stairs with 2 symbols, you will face a very hideous creature, Lisa. You will have to push 4 boulders to the pit, but beware, if you're too close to the edge Lisa can knock you off. I hadn't taken any damage when I took this screenshot.

Fuel Supply Capsule

The last death trap in the game is this very volatile item. In the labs, you will have to bring this item back to where you found it after refilling it to power up an elevator. It is recommended to clear the path by killing all enemies and burning all zombies from the refuel room to the power room to make this part easier.

The warning when you pick up this item said running will make it explode, but actually running in short bursts is fine, just don't run all the time. There are some other unlisted factors that can make it explode, like being attacked by a zombie or firing heavy weapons (shotgun, magnum, etc). So just take it slow and clear the path beforehand.

Closing

Those are all the instant death traps that I know of. While some of them are easily avoidable, some are kinda risky, like the boulder, and it may be better to have a save nearby in case you fail.

If you know any other death traps I missed, feel free to let me know! Include a video proof if you can. Hopefully, this guide will prevent many unnecessary deaths and frustrations in these areas.

[⛧DarkWraith⛧]

You've missed hunters.

[Quinn]

I was so close to no save Hard run when Lisa knocked me off the edge. Had no idea she could even do that :(

[Button Eyes]

Oh the grenade Forest? Yea I didn't add it to the guide, but maybe I should. Same goes for Hunters and the dogs, those can instakill you as well.

[666Tytan666]

ahh btw I forgot about exploding zombie in ng+ he make different gameplay LoL

[666Tytan666]

Thanks anyway for this guide !